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A few illustrations are here given of the way in which the Health Visitors have
been able to help and advise as to feeding.
(1) A case considered necessary to be visited very frequently was that
of a woman who suffered from very bad health, and who had been an inmate of a
lunatic asylum for eight months after the death of her previous baby.
She had lost ten children, all under the age of 14 months, and she seemed
anxious that this, her eleventh child, should live. The book of "Advice to Mothers"
was given to her, but unfortunately she could not read. Detailed instructions as to
feeding were given, and these were carried out. Particular attention was paid to
this case when the baby was being weaned. The child's condition was fairly satisfactory
at twelve months old.
(2) A baby girl at 4 months old weighed 6 lbs., and was in a very bad state of
health when visited. She was dirty, and insufficiently clothed. The mother told
the Health Visitor that she was giving her baby oatmeal to fatten the child. The
mother was recommended to discontinue feeding with oatmeal, and to get medical
treatment at once.
The father was a casual labourer, to whom work was rather the exception than
the rule; the mother made blouses at home, and had practically to support the home
and the family on her earnings. She had therefore very little time to devote to the
care of her home and her 4 children, the eldest of whom was 4 years old.
The father was interviewed, and warned that if he did not make more effort
to provide for his family, the case would be referred to the National Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The warning apparently, had some effect, for
he gave his wife a little more money each week. The child was taken to the London
Hospital, and attended there until cured.
The Almoner of the Hospital wrote to the Health Visitor of the improvement
that had taken place, and said "the child looked much better and was cleanly and
nicely dressed."
(3) One mother resented very much being visited at first, and thought she was
quite capable of looking after her baby without help. She admitted that she had lost
four out of five children. She was unable to nurse them herself, and had to feed them
artificially. She informed the Health Visitor that she had tried everything in the
way of patent foods, and seemed very surprised because none of them were satisfactory.
Modified cow's milk was recommended, and she promised to try it, although she
had not much faith in it. Regular visits were made to her, and after much persuasion,
the mother consented to go to the Babies' Welcome. She became interested, and
continued to take the baby until he was 12 months old. At the last visit, the child
was in a very good condition, he had six teeth and weighed 25 lbs.
In advocating attendance at Infant Consultations, one still has to combat a
good deal of prejudice and superstition, although indifference, too, is responsible
for many of the non-attendances.